Lansing Delta Township Assembly Complex

Factories were pronounced Cathedrals of Industry, so called for their massive scale and design that rivaled the architecture of Europe’s great houses of worship. Over time, industrial architecture has become increasingly nondescript — you can’t have pride in something you can’t identify. As a result, it has helped marginalize industry. Architecture matters.

General Motor Co.’s newest North American plant has got it right. Completed in 2006, the Lansing Delta Township Assembly Complex architecture celebrates an exciting return to a more ornamental style particularly evident in the elegant sweeping glass and steel of the grand entry. LDT Quality Network Representative, Lyle Birchman, agrees: “It is nice to go to work in a building that looks so great — the first impression is so important. I especially like the energy efficient standards that have gone into it.” LDT is the first and only LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold- Certified manufacturing plant.

This is Lansing leading the country in energy efficient car manufacturing and architecture.

LDT is the cutting edge of industrial architecture. Designed by Dearborn-based Ghafari Associates, LDT is the future of manufacturing plants, a synthesis of contemporary modernist aesthetic and green standards. Environmental features of the building include:

Rainwater harvesting Harvested rainwater from the roof is used to flush toilets in rest rooms.

Water conservation Waterless urinals save 40,000 gallons of water annually per urinal. Low-flow plumbing fixtures are used throughout the facility. Drought-resistant plantings on site eliminate the need for a permanent irrigation system and associated water usage.

Storm water Swales and ditches help slow storm water flow while plantings help filter out sediments and phosphorus.

Recycled and locally sourced materials More than 25 percent of recycled content is used in building materials.

Lighting Robotic operations in body and paint shops are unlit. Lights are used only for maintenance. Line-side lighting is dimmed for breaks and lunches.

— Amanda Harrell-Seyburn and Jim Aubuchon

Jim Aubuchon is an architect at Keystone Design Group Architects.

“Eye candy of the Week" is our weekly look at some of the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each with Eyesore of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Andy Balaskovitz at (517) 999-5064.